On the Eighteen Perfections Chapter5

“Next, as to the function of ren,¹⁷ it is so called because of the constant function of conversion that is carried out by virtue of the perfection of the six stages of practice.

“Next, as to the teaching of ren,¹⁸ the Buddha eternally endowed with the three bodies, abiding in the lotus nature of the sea of effects, constantly expounds the undefiled Law, manifesting the eight phases of a Buddha’s existence and reciting the four phrases chanted when attaining the way.¹⁹

“The reverend priest has said, ‘The eight phases of attaining the way²⁰ refer to the Buddha eternally endowed with the three bodies, and the recitation of the four phrases when achieving the way exists in the teaching of ren. The eternally endowed three bodies are referred to as the ren of original enlightenment. This is because one abides in this ren of original enlightenment, constantly discourses on the eight phases of a Buddha’s existence, and constantly expounds the four phrases recited upon the achievement of the way.’”

When we examine this passage in Daily Records of the Transmission, we see that it deals with the five major principles as they are applied to each of the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. (Above I have given the section dealing with the five major principles as they apply to the character ren. I have omitted the remainder of the passage.)

I would like to note here that, if we follow the doctrine set forth in Daily Records of the Transmission, then the source of all phenomena, the threefold contemplation in a single mind, the three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the three truths, the six stages of practice, the unification of reality and wisdom, the ultimate meaning of the essential teaching and theoretical teaching—all these teachings have their origin in and arise from the single character ren.